One of the speech's most headline-grabbing measures is a bill aimed at tackling roadworks chaos, while there are also plans aimed at lessening traffic disruption caused by the "school run".

The Traffic Management bill would see the creation of uniformed "jambusters" patrolling motorways.

A draft bill setting up the legal framework for a referendum on joining the euro currency has been included despite speculation the plan had been ditched.

Student battle

But it is the proposal to allow universities to charge students top-up fees which is likely to cause the most controversy.

They have already been condemned by a large group of Labour MPs, including several former ministers.

About 100 are threatening to oppose the plans in the Commons - enough to defeat the government.

Other proposals in the Queen's Speech include moves to reform the House of Lords which would create a Supreme Court and abolish the remaining 92 hereditary peers and the role of Lord Chancellor.

The changes would also stop convicted criminals, such as Lord Archer, from sitting in the upper house.

Pension fears

Plans to introduce child trust funds, outlined in the Budget this year, are confirmed, promising every baby up to £500 in a savings account it can access on its 18th birthday.

Moves to speed up house sales include the introduction of "seller's packs" for prospective buyers.

There are also details of a widely expected Pensions Bill aimed at protecting company pension schemes.

The civil partnership bill allows same sex couples to register their relationship and gain the similar legal rights to married couples.

Others bills are aimed at tackling disability discrimination and giving more protection to victims of crime, with the creation of a Commissioner for Victims and Crime.

Child protection

There are also proposals to update the law on domestic violence.

Measures aimed at improving child protection, including the creation of a
Children's Commissioner for England, were also outlined.

The speech also included proposals to regulate the retention of human tissues, plans prompted by inquiries into the use of organs and tissue from children who had died at hospitals in Liverpool and Bristol.